The fleet entered the Strait of Magellan on 6 April 1599 as winter approached. A short period of favorable wind offered a chance to pass through, but the expedition stopped for water, wood and the recovery of its men. It also assembled a small pinnace. By the time it tried to proceed, contrary winds, snow and ice prevented passage. Adams's account places the enforced stay between April and 24 September, during which provisions ran down and men died of hunger. Reaching the Pacific brought further severe weather and displacement to the south.
Chapter · 37:00-38:26
Winter trapping the fleet in the Strait of Magellan
Stopping to recover exhausted men cost the fleet a favorable wind, leaving it trapped through winter with dwindling food.